OEFFA Workers’ Comp Discount Program
OEFFA members are eligible for substantial savings on workers’ compensation costs!
OEFFA has partnered with Sedgwick, which has been helping employers navigate Ohio’s workers’ compensation system for more than 50 years by assisting them in controlling claim-related costs and reducing premiums.
Through this partnership, OEFFA is now a Certified Sponsor Association, meaning that OEFFA members may participate in OEFFA’s Group Rating Program. You still make your payment directly to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC), but your discounted rate (up to 53% off the base rate) will be automatically reflected in the premium statements you receive from the BWC.
As an OEFFA member, you are eligible to join the program whether you are self-employed or have hundreds of employees, and regardless of the industry in which you work.
The first step in joining the group is to complete an AC-3 (Temporary Authorization to Review Information) form. By completing this form, you’ll be giving BWC temporary permission to release information to Sedgwick regarding your workers’ compensation history. After Sedgwick reviews your history, they will contact you to let you know how much you can save by participating in OEFFA’s Group Rating Program.
There is no cost to get this evaluation and no obligation that you join this group; this is information for you so that you can decide if there is a better way to meet your BWC responsibilities. Contact Julia Bowling, our Sedgwick Program Manger, at (513) 218-4062 or julia.bowling@sedgwick.com if you have any questions.
If you want to see what Sedgwick and OEFFA’s group program can do for you, download this form to give temporary authorization for them to work with BWC to prepare you a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I join a group rating program?
Group rating enables companies to save significantly on workers’ compensation premiums, up to the BWC maximum available discount. All programs have a sponsor organization, such as a trade association or chamber of commerce. Each program offers its own savings rate. You could potentially save significantly more with a Sedgwick group program compared to other available programs.
How is coverage provided under a Group Rating Program?
Coverage is still provided by the Ohio BWC. Each participating employer maintains their own policy number and premium payments continue to be made to BWC.
Can you only enroll once a year, and is this true of all groups?
Yes, BWC regulations dictate this. Quotes are provided throughout the summer and fall with final actual enrollment taking place in November.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
Each member is charged an administrative fee to be in the program. By enrolling in a group rating program, you also receive cost control services provided by plan administrator Sedgwick. Details of the administrative fee will be provided along with the proposal. Also, you MUST be a paid member of OEFFA.
If I am uncertain whether my company will qualify, should I apply?
Yes, each year BWC assigns each employer new rates based on their payroll and experience. A company who did not previously qualify may now qualify if their claim history has improved.
How will I receive my savings?
The rate will become effective on July 1, 2022 and your first discounted premium payment under BWC’s new Prospective Billing will be paid in June 2022.